Real Madrid Set to Clash with Osasuna: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Real Madrid's quest to regain the Spanish title commences at the Santiago Bernabéu when they face Osasuna.

The previous competitive match for Real Madrid saw the Spanish powerhouse humiliated by Paris Saint-Germain during the FIFA Club World Cup. Now, merely 41 days afterward, Xabi Alonso's team returns to action to launch their 2025–26 La Liga season.

The weight on Los Blancos to recover from their summer disappointment and lackluster 2024–25 campaign is enormous, particularly since Barcelona has already claimed three points in their season opener. Should Real Madrid aim to mount a championship-caliber run, they need to begin with strength.

Osasuna will aim to disrupt Real Madrid's homecoming to the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish side faces a challenging assignment in containing Kylian Mbappé and his teammates, particularly given they haven't beaten Los Blancos since 2011.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the La Liga encounter.

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Real Madrid Team News

Real Madrid will begin the 2025–26 campaign without one of their star performers, Jude Bellingham. The England midfielder had shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup and isn't anticipated to return until October.

The sidelined Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick accompany Bellingham in the treatment room, alongside suspended Antonio Rüdiger. The defender must complete the remaining match of his six-game suspension for hurling ice at official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea during the Copa del Rey final.

Anticipate Éder Militão to replace Rüdiger alongside Dean Huijsen in Los Blancos' revamped defensive line that should also include Trent Alexander-Arnold and Álvaro Carreras.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Osasuna

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Osasuna (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler, Tchouaméni, Valverde; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior

Osasuna Team News

In contrast to Real Madrid, Osasuna approach Tuesday's match with nearly their entire first-team squad healthy and ready to participate. The sole absentee due to injury is Iker Benito.

Rubén García was questionable, but the attacker resumed training before the match and will accompany Alessio Lisci's squad to the Spanish capital. The Osasuna manager might exercise caution, however, and restrict the Spaniard's playing time to a bench role.

Focus will center on Ante Budimir in attack. The Croatian striker scored 24 goals last season and is again expected to spearhead Osasuna's offensive efforts at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Osasuna Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Osasuna predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3): Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Bretones; Torró, Moncayola, Oroz; K. Barja, Budimir, M. Gómez

Real Madrid vs. Osasuna Score Prediction

It's difficult to imagine an outcome that doesn't favor Real Madrid. The squad's defensive additions paired with their dangerous attack present too great a challenge for Osasuna to handle, particularly at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Some uncertainties remain regarding Alonso's tactical approach, including which formation he'll utilize consistently, but Los Blancos possess the talent to claim three points even within a largely unfamiliar system. Expect the Spanish giants to continue their 23-match undefeated run against Osasuna on Tuesday.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–0 Osasuna